/* =========================================================
   VBUSA v5 — "Mission Ready" Design System
   Military precision, veteran humanity, modern benefits platform.
   Palette/typography per the VBUSA v5 Master Rebuild & Mission Ready
   spec (Sections 100-125): Midnight/Deep Navy/Bone/Brass/Service Red,
   condensed display type + Inter body type, numbered "Mission Cards",
   a restrained service-stripe motif. Values tuned from the spec's
   suggested hexes for WCAG contrast; character preserved.
   ========================================================= */

/* ---------- Design tokens ---------- */
:root{
  /* Core Mission Ready palette (Section 103) */
  --vb-midnight:    #071827;
  --vb-navy:        #0D2A43;
  --vb-navy-dark:   #071827;
  --vb-navy-tint:   #E8ECEF;
  --vb-steel:       #436274;
  --vb-red:         #B52B34;
  --vb-red-dark:    #8F222A;
  --vb-off-white:   #F5F1E8;
  --vb-white:       #FFFFFF;
  --vb-gray-100:    #EFEAE0;
  --vb-gray-200:    #E4DDCB;
  --vb-gray-500:    #436274;
  --vb-gold:        #C29B55;
  --vb-gold-dark:   #A67F3F;
  --vb-text:        #202A30;
  --vb-text-soft:   #4B5A63;
  --vb-border:      #E1DBC8;
  --vb-radius:       12px;
  --vb-radius-sm:    8px;
  --vb-radius-lg:    18px;
  --vb-shadow:       0 4px 14px rgba(7,24,39,0.10);
  --vb-shadow-lg:    0 12px 32px rgba(7,24,39,0.18);
  --vb-container:    1200px;
  --vb-container-narrow: 760px;
  --vb-space-1: 0.25rem;
  --vb-space-2: 0.5rem;
  --vb-space-3: 0.75rem;
  --vb-space-4: 1rem;
  --vb-space-5: 1.5rem;
  --vb-space-6: 2rem;
  --vb-space-7: 3rem;
  --vb-space-8: 4.5rem;
  /* Body/interface type (Section 104) */
  --vb-font: 'Inter', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;
  /* Condensed display type for headlines / briefing labels / Mission Cards */
  --vb-font-display: 'Barlow Condensed', 'Segoe UI Condensed', Impact, sans-serif;
}

/* ---------- Reset / base ---------- */
*, *::before, *::after{ box-sizing: border-box; }
html{ -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; scroll-behavior: smooth; }
body{
  margin: 0;
  font-family: var(--vb-font);
  color: var(--vb-text);
  background: var(--vb-off-white);
  line-height: 1.6;
  font-size: 1rem;
}
img{ max-width: 100%; height: auto; display: block; }
ul, ol{ padding-left: 1.25em; }
a{ color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration-color: rgba(11,37,69,0.35); }
a:hover{ color: var(--vb-red); }
h1,h2,h3,h4{ font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.08; color: var(--vb-navy); margin: 0 0 0.6em; letter-spacing: .01em; }
h1{ font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 1.6rem + 3.6vw, 4rem); text-transform: uppercase; }
h2{ font-size: clamp(1.7rem, 1.3rem + 1.8vw, 2.6rem); text-transform: uppercase; }
h3{ font-size: clamp(1.2rem, 1.05rem + 0.6vw, 1.55rem); }
p{ margin: 0 0 1em; color: var(--vb-text-soft); }
p:last-child{ margin-bottom: 0; }

button{ font-family: inherit; }

/* Accessibility */
:focus-visible{
  outline: 3px solid var(--vb-gold);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}
.skip-link{
  position: absolute;
  left: -999px;
  top: 0;
  background: var(--vb-navy);
  color: #fff;
  padding: 0.75em 1.25em;
  z-index: 1000;
  border-radius: 0 0 var(--vb-radius-sm) 0;
}
.skip-link:focus{ left: 0; }

/* ---------- Layout helpers ---------- */
.vb-container{
  max-width: var(--vb-container);
  margin-inline: auto;
  padding-inline: var(--vb-space-5);
}
.vb-container--narrow{ max-width: var(--vb-container-narrow); }
.vb-section{ padding-block: var(--vb-space-8); }
.vb-section--tight{ padding-block: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-section--alt{ background: var(--vb-white); }
.vb-section--navy{ background: var(--vb-navy); color: #fff; }
.vb-section--navy h2, .vb-section--navy h3{ color: #fff; }
.vb-section--navy p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); }
.vb-section--midnight{ background: var(--vb-midnight); color: #fff; }
.vb-section--midnight h2, .vb-section--midnight h3{ color: #fff; }
.vb-section--midnight p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75); }
.vb-section--bone{ background: var(--vb-off-white); }
.vb-eyebrow{
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--vb-font-display);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--vb-gold-dark);
  margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-3);
}
.vb-section-head{ max-width: 720px; margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-section-head--center{ margin-inline: auto; text-align: center; }

/* ---------- Service Stripe motif (Section 111) ----------
   A restrained, proprietary abstract device — not a military
   decoration or ribbon reproduction — used sparingly on heroes,
   headings, cards, footer and portal surfaces. */
.vb-stripe{ display:flex; height:4px; width:64px; gap:2px; margin-bottom: 1.1em; }
.vb-stripe span{ flex:1; border-radius: 1px; }
.vb-stripe span:nth-child(1){ background: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-stripe span:nth-child(2){ background: var(--vb-gold); }
.vb-stripe span:nth-child(3){ background: var(--vb-steel); }
.vb-stripe--center{ margin-inline: auto; }
.vb-stripe--light span:nth-child(3){ background: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); }

/* ---------- Section numbering (Section 112) ---------- */
.vb-section-num{
  display:block; font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:700;
  font-size: .85rem; letter-spacing:.14em; text-transform:uppercase;
  color: var(--vb-gold-dark); margin-bottom:.5em;
}
.vb-section--navy .vb-section-num,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-section-num{ color: var(--vb-gold); }

/* ---------- Buttons ---------- */
.vb-btn{
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5em;
  padding: 0.85em 1.5em;
  border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  text-decoration: none;
  border: 2px solid transparent;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: transform .15s ease, box-shadow .15s ease, background-color .15s ease, color .15s ease;
  min-height: 44px;
  line-height: 1.2;
}
.vb-btn:hover{ transform: translateY(-1px); }
.vb-btn-primary{ background: var(--vb-red); color: #fff; }
.vb-btn-primary:hover{ background: var(--vb-red-dark); color:#fff; }
.vb-btn-secondary{ background: var(--vb-navy); color: #fff; }
.vb-btn-secondary:hover{ background: var(--vb-navy-dark); color:#fff; }
.vb-btn-outline{ background: transparent; border-color: var(--vb-navy); color: var(--vb-navy); }
.vb-btn-outline:hover{ background: var(--vb-navy); color: #fff; }
.vb-btn-outline-light{ background: transparent; border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); color: #fff; }
.vb-btn-outline-light:hover{ background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12); border-color:#fff; }
.vb-link-arrow{ font-weight: 700; color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; }
.vb-link-arrow:hover{ color: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-link-arrow .arrow{ display:inline-block; transition: transform .15s ease; }
.vb-link-arrow:hover .arrow{ transform: translateX(3px); }

/* ---------- Header ---------- */
.vb-header{
  position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 100;
  background: rgba(250,247,242,0.96);
  backdrop-filter: saturate(180%) blur(8px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--vb-border);
}
.vb-header-inner{
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between;
  gap: var(--vb-space-5);
  padding-block: 0.85em;
}
.vb-logo{ display:flex; align-items:center; gap:.6em; font-weight:800; font-size:1.15rem; color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration:none; }
.vb-logo:hover{ color: var(--vb-navy); }
.vb-logo img{ height: 38px; width: auto; }
.vb-logo-mark{
  width: 34px; height: 34px; border-radius: 8px;
  background: var(--vb-navy); color:#fff; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
  font-weight: 800; font-size: .85rem; flex-shrink:0;
}

.vb-primary-nav{ display:none; }
.vb-primary-nav ul{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; display:flex; gap: var(--vb-space-5); align-items:center; }
.vb-primary-nav > ul > li{ position:relative; }
.vb-nav-link{
  display:flex; align-items:center; gap:.35em;
  font-weight:600; color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration:none; padding: 1.7em 0; font-size:.97rem;
  background:transparent; border:0; cursor:pointer;
}
.vb-nav-link:hover, .vb-nav-link[aria-expanded="true"]{ color: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-nav-link .chev{ transition: transform .15s ease; }
.vb-nav-link[aria-expanded="true"] .chev{ transform: rotate(180deg); }

.vb-header-cta{ display:flex; align-items:center; gap: var(--vb-space-3); }
.vb-header-cta .vb-btn{ padding: 0.7em 1.25em; }

.vb-menu-toggle{
  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
  width:44px; height:44px; border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  border: 1px solid var(--vb-border); background:#fff; cursor:pointer;
}
.vb-menu-toggle span{ display:block; width:20px; height:2px; background:var(--vb-navy); position:relative; }
.vb-menu-toggle span::before, .vb-menu-toggle span::after{
  content:""; position:absolute; left:0; width:20px; height:2px; background:var(--vb-navy); transition:transform .15s ease;
}
.vb-menu-toggle span::before{ top:-6px; }
.vb-menu-toggle span::after{ top:6px; }

/* Mega menu */
.vb-mega{
  position:absolute; top:100%; left:50%; transform:translateX(-50%);
  width: min(880px, 90vw);
  background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius);
  box-shadow: var(--vb-shadow-lg);
  padding: var(--vb-space-6);
  display:none;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr) 220px;
  gap: var(--vb-space-6);
}
.vb-mega[data-open="true"]{ display:grid; }
.vb-mega-col h4{ font-size:.8rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.05em; color: var(--vb-gray-500); margin-bottom:.75em; }
.vb-mega-col ul{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:.5em; }
.vb-mega-col a{ text-decoration:none; color: var(--vb-text); font-weight:600; font-size:.95rem; }
.vb-mega-col a:hover{ color: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-mega-cta{
  background: var(--vb-navy-tint); border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm); padding: var(--vb-space-4);
  display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:.6em; justify-content:center;
}
.vb-mega-cta strong{ color: var(--vb-navy); }

/* Mobile drawer */
.vb-drawer{
  position: fixed; inset: 0; z-index: 200; display:none;
}
.vb-drawer[data-open="true"]{ display:block; }
.vb-drawer-backdrop{ position:absolute; inset:0; background: rgba(11,37,69,0.45); }
.vb-drawer-panel{
  position:absolute; top:0; right:0; height:100%; width: min(340px, 88vw);
  background:#fff; box-shadow: var(--vb-shadow-lg); padding: var(--vb-space-5);
  overflow-y:auto;
}
.vb-drawer-head{ display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-5); }
.vb-drawer nav ul{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; }
.vb-drawer nav > ul > li{ border-bottom: 1px solid var(--vb-border); }
.vb-drawer-link{
  display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;
  width:100%; text-align:left; background:none; border:0; cursor:pointer;
  padding: 0.9em 0.1em; font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration:none; font-size:1rem;
}
.vb-drawer-sub{ list-style:none; margin:0 0 .75em; padding:0 0 0 .75em; display:none; }
.vb-drawer-sub[data-open="true"]{ display:block; }
.vb-drawer-sub li a{ display:block; padding:.5em 0; color: var(--vb-text-soft); text-decoration:none; font-size:.95rem; }
.vb-drawer-cta{ margin-top: var(--vb-space-5); display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap: .75em; }

/* ---------- Hero ---------- */
.vb-hero{ padding-block: var(--vb-space-8) var(--vb-space-7); }
.vb-hero-inner{ max-width: 780px; }
.vb-hero p.lead{ font-size: 1.15rem; color: var(--vb-text-soft); max-width: 620px; }
.vb-hero-actions{ display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; align-items:center; gap: var(--vb-space-4); margin-top: var(--vb-space-5); }
.vb-hero-signin{ font-size:.92rem; color: var(--vb-text-soft); text-decoration:none; font-weight:600; }
.vb-hero-signin:hover{ color: var(--vb-red); }

/* ---------- Cinematic Mission Hero (Section 105) ----------
   Midnight/Deep-Navy base with a restrained technical grid texture
   (CSS only — no stock photography implied or invented). */
.vb-hero--mission{
  position: relative; overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate;
  background: radial-gradient(120% 140% at 15% 0%, var(--vb-navy) 0%, var(--vb-midnight) 65%);
  color: #fff;
  padding-block: clamp(3.5rem, 5vw + 1rem, 6.5rem) clamp(3rem, 4vw + 1rem, 5rem);
}
.vb-hero--mission::before{
  content:""; position:absolute; inset:0; z-index:-1;
  background-image:
    linear-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,0.06) 1px, transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.06) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 46px 46px;
  mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,0,0,0.85), rgba(0,0,0,0) 85%);
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(0,0,0,0.85), rgba(0,0,0,0) 85%);
}
.vb-hero--mission h1{ color:#fff; }
.vb-hero--mission .vb-eyebrow{ color: var(--vb-gold); }
.vb-hero--mission p.lead{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82); }
.vb-hero--mission .vb-hero-signin{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.68); }
.vb-hero--mission .vb-hero-signin:hover{ color:#fff; }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference){
  .vb-hero--mission .vb-btn:hover{ transform: translateY(-2px); }
}

/* ---------- Benefit card grid ---------- */
.vb-grid{
  display:grid; gap: var(--vb-space-5);
  grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
.vb-grid--cards{ grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr)); }

.vb-card{
  display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap: var(--vb-space-3);
  background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius);
  padding: var(--vb-space-5);
  text-decoration:none; color: var(--vb-text);
  box-shadow: var(--vb-shadow);
  transition: transform .15s ease, box-shadow .15s ease, border-color .15s ease;
  height:100%;
  position: relative;
}
.vb-card:hover, .vb-card:focus-visible{
  transform: translateY(-3px);
  box-shadow: var(--vb-shadow-lg);
  border-color: var(--vb-steel);
}
.vb-card-top{ display:flex; align-items:flex-start; justify-content:space-between; gap: var(--vb-space-3); }
.vb-card-number{
  font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:800; font-size:1.4rem;
  color: var(--vb-steel); opacity:.5; line-height:1; letter-spacing:.02em;
}
.vb-card-icon{
  width:46px; height:46px; border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  background: var(--vb-navy-tint); color: var(--vb-navy);
  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; flex-shrink:0;
}
.vb-card h3{ margin:0; font-size:1.2rem; text-transform:none; }
.vb-card .vb-card-sub{ font-size:.8rem; font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-red); text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.05em; margin:-0.4em 0 0; }
.vb-card p{ margin:0; font-size:.95rem; flex-grow:1; }
.vb-card-arrow{ margin-top:.5em; font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-navy); font-family: var(--vb-font-display); letter-spacing:.03em; text-transform:uppercase; font-size:.85rem; }
.vb-card:hover .vb-card-arrow{ color: var(--vb-red); }

/* "Not Sure Where to Start?" Mission Card deliberately breaks the pattern
   with the Brass accent (Section 108 — "Start Here" category). */
.vb-card--featured{
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--vb-gold), var(--vb-gold-dark));
  color: var(--vb-midnight); border-color: var(--vb-gold);
}
.vb-card--featured h3, .vb-card--featured .vb-card-sub, .vb-card--featured .vb-card-number{ color: var(--vb-midnight); }
.vb-card--featured p{ color: rgba(7,24,39,0.78); }
.vb-card--featured .vb-card-icon{ background: rgba(7,24,39,0.14); color: var(--vb-midnight); }
.vb-card--featured .vb-card-arrow{ color: var(--vb-midnight); }
.vb-card--featured:hover{ border-color: var(--vb-midnight); }

@media (min-width: 640px){
  .vb-grid--cards{ grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); }
}
@media (min-width: 980px){
  .vb-grid--cards{ grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); }
}

/* ---------- Question list / accordion ---------- */
.vb-qlist{ display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap: var(--vb-space-3); }
.vb-accordion-item{ background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm); overflow:hidden; }
.vb-accordion-trigger{
  width:100%; text-align:left; background:none; border:0; cursor:pointer;
  display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; gap: var(--vb-space-3);
  padding: 1.1em 1.25em; font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-navy); font-size:1rem;
}
.vb-accordion-trigger .chev{ flex-shrink:0; transition: transform .15s ease; color: var(--vb-gray-500); }
.vb-accordion-trigger[aria-expanded="true"] .chev{ transform: rotate(180deg); }
.vb-accordion-panel{ padding: 0 1.25em 1.1em; }
.vb-accordion-panel p{ margin:0; }
.vb-accordion-panel[hidden]{ display:none; }
.vb-qlist-footer{ margin-top: var(--vb-space-5); }
.vb-qnum{
  font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-gold-dark);
  margin-right:.6em; font-size:.95em;
}

/* ---------- Questions "briefing index" — dark variant (Section 113) ---------- */
.vb-section--navy .vb-qlist,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-qlist{ gap:0; }
.vb-section--navy .vb-accordion-item,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-accordion-item{
  background: transparent; border:0; border-radius:0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.16);
}
.vb-section--navy .vb-accordion-item:first-child,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-accordion-item:first-child{ border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.16); }
.vb-section--navy .vb-accordion-trigger,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-accordion-trigger{ color:#fff; }
.vb-section--navy .vb-accordion-trigger .chev,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-accordion-trigger .chev{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); }
.vb-section--navy .vb-accordion-panel p,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-accordion-panel p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.72); }
.vb-section--navy .vb-qnum,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-qnum{ color: var(--vb-gold); }
.vb-section--navy .vb-link-arrow,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-link-arrow{ color:#fff; }
.vb-section--navy .vb-link-arrow:hover,
.vb-section--midnight .vb-link-arrow:hover{ color: var(--vb-gold); }

/* ---------- Process / steps ---------- */
.vb-steps{ display:grid; gap: var(--vb-space-5); grid-template-columns: 1fr; counter-reset: vbstep; }
@media (min-width: 780px){ .vb-steps{ grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }
.vb-step{ position:relative; padding-top: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-step-num{
  counter-increment: vbstep;
  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
  width:48px; height:48px; border-radius:50%;
  background: var(--vb-navy); color:#fff; font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:800; font-size:1.2rem;
  margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-3);
  border: 2px solid var(--vb-gold);
}
.vb-step-num::before{ content: counter(vbstep, decimal-leading-zero); }

/* ---------- Trust section ---------- */
.vb-trust-list{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; display:grid; gap: var(--vb-space-4); grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
@media (min-width: 640px){ .vb-trust-list{ grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }
@media (min-width: 980px){ .vb-trust-list{ grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); } }
.vb-trust-item{ display:flex; gap:.75em; align-items:flex-start; }
.vb-trust-item .ico{ flex-shrink:0; width:28px; height:28px; color: var(--vb-gold); }
.vb-trust-item span.label{ font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-navy); }

/* ---------- CTA band ---------- */
.vb-cta-band{
  background: var(--vb-navy); color:#fff; border-radius: var(--vb-radius-lg);
  padding: var(--vb-space-7); text-align:center;
}
.vb-cta-band h2{ color:#fff; }
.vb-cta-band p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82); max-width:560px; margin-inline:auto; }
.vb-cta-band .vb-btn{ margin-top: var(--vb-space-4); }

/* ---------- Breadcrumb ---------- */
.vb-breadcrumb{ font-size:.85rem; color: var(--vb-gray-500); margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-4); }
.vb-breadcrumb a{ color: var(--vb-gray-500); text-decoration:none; }
.vb-breadcrumb a:hover{ color: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-breadcrumb .sep{ margin: 0 .4em; }

/* ---------- Hub page ----------
   .vb-hub-hero is always paired with .vb-hero--mission, which supplies the
   Mission Ready background — no background declared here so those
   aren't overridden by cascade order. */
.vb-hub-intro{ max-width: 760px; }
.vb-chip-grid{ display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap:.6em; }
.vb-chip{
  display:inline-flex; align-items:center; padding:.55em 1em;
  background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: 999px;
  font-size:.9rem; font-weight:600; color: var(--vb-text);
}
.vb-related-list{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; display:grid; gap: var(--vb-space-3); grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
@media (min-width: 640px){ .vb-related-list{ grid-template-columns: repeat(2,1fr); } }
.vb-related-list a{
  display:flex; justify-content:space-between; align-items:center; gap: .75em;
  background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  padding: 1em 1.25em; text-decoration:none; color: var(--vb-navy); font-weight:700;
}
.vb-related-list a:hover{ border-color: var(--vb-navy); color: var(--vb-red); }

.vb-source-note{
  border-left: 3px solid var(--vb-gold); background: #fff;
  padding: var(--vb-space-4) var(--vb-space-5); border-radius: 0 var(--vb-radius-sm) var(--vb-radius-sm) 0;
  font-size:.9rem; color: var(--vb-text-soft);
}

/* ---------- Alert ---------- */
.vb-alert{
  display:flex; gap: .75em; align-items:flex-start;
  padding: var(--vb-space-4) var(--vb-space-5); border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  background: var(--vb-navy-tint); border: 1px solid #CBD9EB; font-size: .92rem;
}
.vb-alert p{ margin:0; color: var(--vb-text); }
.vb-alert strong{ color: var(--vb-navy); }

/* ---------- Footer ---------- */
.vb-footer{ background: var(--vb-navy); color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82); padding-block: var(--vb-space-7) var(--vb-space-5); margin-top: var(--vb-space-8); }
.vb-footer a{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.82); text-decoration:none; }
.vb-footer a:hover{ color:#fff; text-decoration:underline; }
.vb-footer-grid{ display:grid; gap: var(--vb-space-6); grid-template-columns: 1fr; margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-6); }
@media (min-width: 720px){ .vb-footer-grid{ grid-template-columns: 1.4fr repeat(3, 1fr); } }
.vb-footer h4{ color:#fff; font-size:.85rem; text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.05em; margin-bottom:1em; }
.vb-footer ul{ list-style:none; margin:0; padding:0; display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap:.6em; font-size:.92rem; }
.vb-footer-brand p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); font-size:.9rem; max-width: 320px; }
.vb-footer-bottom{
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.15); padding-top: var(--vb-space-5);
  display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap: var(--vb-space-4); justify-content:space-between; align-items:center;
  font-size:.82rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6);
}
.vb-footer-legal-links{ display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; gap: 1.25em; list-style:none; padding:0; margin:0; }
.vb-footer-disclaimer{ font-size:.8rem; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.55); max-width: 760px; margin-top:.5em; }

/* ---------- Utility ---------- */
.vb-text-center{ text-align:center; }
.vb-mt-0{ margin-top:0; }
.vb-visually-hidden{
  position:absolute !important; width:1px; height:1px; padding:0; margin:-1px;
  overflow:hidden; clip:rect(0,0,0,0); white-space:nowrap; border:0;
}

/* ---------- Responsive nav breakpoint ---------- */
@media (min-width: 980px){
  .vb-primary-nav{ display:block; }
  .vb-menu-toggle{ display:none; }
}
@media (max-width: 979.98px){
  .vb-header-cta .vb-btn-outline{ display:none; }
}

/* ---------- "Coming soon" placeholder card ---------- */
.vb-card--soon{
  cursor:default; background: var(--vb-gray-100, #f4f5f7);
  border-style:dashed;
}
.vb-card--soon .vb-card-icon{ background: rgba(0,0,0,0.06); color: var(--vb-text-soft); }
.vb-card--soon h3, .vb-card--soon p{ color: var(--vb-text-soft); }
.vb-card--soon:hover{ transform:none; box-shadow:none; }

/* ---------- Embedded form (Fluent Forms) wrapper ---------- */
.vb-form-wrap{
  background:#fff; border:1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius-lg);
  padding: var(--vb-space-6); margin-top: var(--vb-space-6);
}
.vb-form-wrap .ff-el-form-control{
  font-family: inherit; border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm) !important;
}
.vb-form-wrap .ff-btn, .vb-form-wrap button[type="submit"]{
  background: var(--vb-navy) !important; border-color: var(--vb-navy) !important;
  border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm) !important; font-weight:700 !important;
}

/* ---------- Search form + results ---------- */
.vb-search-form{
  display:flex; align-items:stretch; border:1px solid var(--vb-border);
  border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm); overflow:hidden; background:#fff;
}
.vb-search-input{
  flex:1; border:0; padding: var(--vb-space-3) var(--vb-space-4);
  font-family: var(--vb-font); font-size:1rem; color: var(--vb-text); background:transparent;
}
.vb-search-input:focus{ outline: 2px solid var(--vb-navy); outline-offset:-2px; }
.vb-search-submit{
  border:0; background: var(--vb-navy); color:#fff; padding: 0 var(--vb-space-4);
  display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; cursor:pointer;
}
.vb-search-submit:hover{ background: var(--vb-navy-dark); }
.vb-search-submit svg{ width:20px; height:20px; }
.vb-search-count{ color: var(--vb-text-soft); margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-5); }
.vb-search-results{ display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-search-result{ padding-bottom: var(--vb-space-6); border-bottom: 1px solid var(--vb-border); }
.vb-search-result:last-child{ border-bottom:0; }
.vb-search-result-type{
  text-transform:uppercase; letter-spacing:.05em; font-size:.75rem;
  color: var(--vb-gold); font-weight:700; margin-bottom:.35em;
}
.vb-search-result h2{ margin: 0 0 .35em; font-size:1.25rem; }
.vb-search-result h2 a{ color: var(--vb-navy); text-decoration:none; }
.vb-search-result h2 a:hover{ text-decoration:underline; }
.vb-search-result p{ color: var(--vb-text-soft); margin-bottom:.5em; }
.vb-search-pagination ul{ margin:0; }
.vb-search-pagination a, .vb-search-pagination span{
  display:inline-flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center;
  min-width:2.25em; height:2.25em; padding:0 .5em; border-radius: var(--vb-radius-sm);
  border:1px solid var(--vb-border); color: var(--vb-text); text-decoration:none;
}
.vb-search-pagination .current{ background: var(--vb-navy); color:#fff; border-color: var(--vb-navy); }
.vb-search-pagination a:hover{ border-color: var(--vb-navy); }

/* ---------- Editorial Statement block (Sections 114-115) ----------
   Large condensed transition copy between homepage sections. Wording
   used here is drawn directly from the master spec's own example
   lines; final wording still needs sign-off before this leaves
   staging (see the master spec's own caveat in Section 115). */
.vb-editorial{
  background: var(--vb-midnight); color:#fff; text-align:center;
  padding-block: clamp(3rem, 5vw, 5.5rem);
  position: relative; overflow:hidden;
}
.vb-editorial-inner{ max-width: 880px; margin-inline:auto; position:relative; z-index:1; }
.vb-editorial h2{
  color:#fff; font-size: clamp(1.9rem, 1.2rem + 3.2vw, 3.75rem);
  line-height:1.05; margin-bottom:.5em;
}
.vb-editorial p{ color: rgba(255,255,255,0.68); font-size:1.05rem; max-width:640px; margin-inline:auto; }
.vb-editorial .vb-stripe{ margin-inline:auto; }

/* ---------- Q&A pattern — Quick Answer block (Sections 10, 88) ---------- */
.vb-quick-answer{
  background:#fff; border-left:4px solid var(--vb-gold);
  border-radius: 0 var(--vb-radius) var(--vb-radius) 0;
  padding: var(--vb-space-5) var(--vb-space-6); margin: var(--vb-space-5) 0;
}
.vb-quick-answer .vb-quick-answer-label{
  display:block; font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:700;
  font-size:.8rem; letter-spacing:.1em; text-transform:uppercase;
  color: var(--vb-steel); margin-bottom:.5em;
}
.vb-quick-answer p{ font-size:1.1rem; color: var(--vb-text); margin:0; }
.vb-qa-section{ margin-block: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-qa-section h2{ font-size:1.3rem; text-transform:none; }

/* ---------- Full-width service stripe bar (header top, footer) ---------- */
.vb-stripe-bar{ display:flex; height:4px; margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-6); border-radius:2px; overflow:hidden; }
.vb-stripe-bar span{ flex:1; }
.vb-stripe-bar span:nth-child(1){ background: var(--vb-red); }
.vb-stripe-bar span:nth-child(2){ background: var(--vb-gold); }
.vb-stripe-bar span:nth-child(3){ background: var(--vb-steel); }

/* ---------- Benefit Hub briefing label (Section 116) ---------- */
.vb-briefing-label{
  display:inline-block; font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:700;
  font-size:.85rem; letter-spacing:.12em; text-transform:uppercase;
  color: var(--vb-gold-dark); margin-bottom:.6em;
}
.vb-hub-hero.vb-hero--mission .vb-briefing-label{ color: var(--vb-gold); }

/* ---------- Rate table (Migration Risk #1 mitigation — a single, ---------- */
/* ---------- editable rate block instead of hand-typed figures) ---------- */
.vb-rate-table-group{ display:flex; flex-direction:column; gap: var(--vb-space-6); }
.vb-rate-table{
  background:#fff; border: 1px solid var(--vb-border); border-radius: var(--vb-radius);
  box-shadow: var(--vb-shadow); padding: var(--vb-space-6);
}
.vb-rate-table__head{
  display:flex; flex-wrap:wrap; align-items:baseline; justify-content:space-between;
  gap: var(--vb-space-3); margin-bottom: .35em;
}
.vb-rate-table__head h3{ margin:0; font-size:1.15rem; }
.vb-rate-table__effective{
  font-family: var(--vb-font); font-weight:600; font-size:.8rem; letter-spacing:.04em;
  text-transform:uppercase; color: var(--vb-gold-dark); white-space:nowrap;
}
.vb-rate-table__note{ font-size:.92rem; color: var(--vb-text-soft); margin-bottom: var(--vb-space-4); }
.vb-rate-table__scroll{ overflow-x:auto; }
.vb-rate-table__table{ width:100%; border-collapse:collapse; font-size:.95rem; }
.vb-rate-table__table th,
.vb-rate-table__table td{
  text-align:left; padding: .7em 1em; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--vb-border);
  white-space:nowrap;
}
.vb-rate-table__table th{
  font-family: var(--vb-font-display); font-weight:700; letter-spacing:.03em;
  text-transform:uppercase; font-size:.78rem; color: var(--vb-navy); background: var(--vb-navy-tint);
}
.vb-rate-table__table td:last-child{ font-weight:700; color: var(--vb-navy); }
.vb-rate-table__table tbody tr:last-child td{ border-bottom:none; }
.vb-rate-table__source{ font-size:.82rem; color: var(--vb-text-soft); margin: var(--vb-space-4) 0 0; }
.vb-rate-table__source a{ font-weight:600; }